The Boxer

Directed by Jim Sheridan and Arthur Lappin, Written by Jim Sheridan, Terry George and Arthur Lappin, Produced by Jim Sheridan and Arthur Lappin

Daniel Day-Lewis (who worked with Jim Sheridan on ‘In the Name of the Father’ (1993)), plays an ex-IRA volunteer called Danny Flynn. Fresh from a 14-year sentence in prison, he attempts to open a non-sectarian boxing club in his neighbourhood. He reconnects with an old flame (Emily Watson), now married to his best friend, who is still in prison for his IRA links. The seemingly inescapable Troubles continue to threaten his hopes for a better life.

Although it is set in Belfast, ‘The Boxer’ was almost exclusively shot in the docklands and Sheriff Street area of Dublin’s North Inner City. The flat complex used in the film was earmarked for demolition but this was postponed until filming was completed. Since then the entire area has been redeveloped. Daniel Day-Lewis was said to have boxed and trained for a number of years for his role as Danny Flynn.

The Boxer, like many other works of film and literature, asks if it was possible for someone to live a normal life, governed by personal concerns, against the back drop of a violent conflict and its claims on the loyalty of ordinary people.